upon the 9th of November.

The wits who saluted Adrian's doctor with the title of "Saviour of the Fatherland," now rejoiced at the election of an Italian and a Medici.

The golden years of Leo's reign would certainly return, they thought; having no foreknowledge of the tragedy which was so soon to be enacted, first at Rome, and afterwards at Florence, Michelangelo wrote to his friend Topolino at Carrara: "You will have heard that Medici is made Pope; all the world seems to me to be delighted, and I think that here at Florence great things will soon be set on foot in our art.

Therefore, serve well and faithfully." II Our records are very scanty, both as regards personal details and art-work, for the life of Michelangelo during the pontificate of Adrian VI.

The high esteem in which he was held throughout Italy is proved by three incidents which may shortly be related.